Mecklenburg Lake District

Land of 1,000 Lakes

More than 1,000 lakes - including Germany's largest lake, the Müritz - come together in the Mecklenburg Lake District to form a veritable El Dorado for water sports fans - whether paddling, vacationing on a houseboat or sailing.

A couple sits on a jetty at sunset on Lake Mirov. A houseboat passes by in the background.

Here you are always on or near the water. After all, the area is considered Europe's largest closed lake district. There is a glistening body of water behind practically every hill and forest. The more than 1,000 lakes and the rivers that connect them invite you to Excursions by boat or raft. The scenery of such an adventure is as varied as it is impressive, the landscape is lush and nature is protected. Of course, this is particularly true of the Müritz National Park and the Nossentiner / Schwinzer Heide and Feldberger Seenlandschaft nature parks. Between the unspoilt natural surroundings lie sleepy villages and winding little towns, charming manor houses and enchanted Schlösser – a popular excursion destination for culture vultures.

And when was the last time you went stargazing? No light pollution spoils the view of the seemingly endless night sky above the Mecklenburg Lake District, which is particularly inviting in the fall and winter for extended „bathing“ in the shining sea of stars.

The vacation experts for the Mecklenburg Lake District

 

The most beautiful places

in the Mecklenburg Lake District

Malchow

As a climatic health resort, the island town of Malchow offers the perfect environment for spa vacationers and nature lovers. Situated between Müritz and Lake Plau, the water is never far away. A summer toboggan run and the monkey forest provide varied entertainment for children.

Neustrelitz

The residential town of Neustrelitz is a baroque gem with a star-shaped town complex. Even today, numerous buildings and the Neustrelitz palace park are reminders of the town's magnificent past. The adjacent Müritz National Park with its protected beech forests and around 100 lakes is also a popular excursion destination for hikers, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts.

Mirow

The town of Mirow is best known for the castle of the same name, where the British Queen Sophie Charlotte grew up in the 18th century. But Mirow not only has a lot to offer those interested in culture: Surrounded by dense forests and a glistening lake landscape, hikers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts will find a breathtaking landscape here for fantastic excursions on and around the water.

Plau am See

Plau am See delights visitors with its historic town center, romantic half-timbered houses and the impressive castle ruins and observation tower. As a state-approved climatic health resort, the charming little town offers ideal conditions for those seeking relaxation. The characteristic lifting bridge is not only a technical monument, but also a popular vantage point. Situated directly on the western shore of Lake Plau, access to the water can be felt everywhere - whether on a relaxing walk along the lakeside promenade, swimming on family-friendly beaches or on boat and canoe tours through the wide waterways. A nature adventure trail, the Plau city forest area and a nearby forest make Plau am See an attractive destination for families and nature lovers.

Krakow by the lake

Krakow am See is one of the oldest climatic health resorts in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is idyllically nestled between forests, hills and the lake of the same name. The charming town center with historic houses, cozy cafés and small galleries invites you to linger. The lakeside promenade offers sweeping views across the water, while pedal boat or stand-up paddle board excursions promise active enjoyment. On the Jürnberg, a viewing tower provides sweeping views of the region. Those who prefer a quieter pace can discover the tranquil beauty of the surrounding nature while hiking, cycling or on a tour through the fog moor. Krakow am See is an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers.

Neubrandenburg

History and architecture enthusiasts should – the city of four gates –. As part of the European Route of Brick Gothic, you can admire the old city wall with its four gates and St. Mary's Church, one of the most exciting concert halls in Germany, in the third largest city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. For culture lovers, numerous concerts, ballets and musicals offer an entertaining program for the vacation.

Waren

Waren an der Müritz: a town with a rich history and unique nature. The lively town center attracts visitors with its cosy cafés and shops and the surrounding countryside can be explored in a relaxed way while hiking or cycling.

The Müritz offers water sports opportunities for everyone. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the diversity of this beautiful city.

The best vacation activities

Activities in and on the water

With over 1,000 lakes, the Mecklenburg Lake District is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and recreational boaters. Whether Stand-up paddling, an excursion with the sailboat or relaxing vacation days on the houseboat – the Mecklenburg Lake District offers numerous vacation activities on the water.

Hiking and cycling

The region's magnificent lake landscape can also be enjoyed from the countryside. With its unspoiled nature, it offers ideal conditions for extensive cycling and hiking tours. The Müritz circular cycle route and the Mecklenburg Lake District pilgrimage route, for example, offer unique experiences.

Camping

Camping right by the lake: If you don't want to have to travel far from your motorhome or tent to the nearest shore, the Mecklenburg Lake District is the place to be. Some Campingplätze also offer an entertainment program for children and canoes, stand-up paddleboards and motorboats can be rented at many bathing lakes.  

Popular excursion destinations

and famous sights in the Mecklenburg Lake District

 

Mirow Castle

Built in the mid-18th century and situated on an island, Mirow Castle is best known as the birthplace of Princess Sophie Charlotte, who went down in history as Queen of Great Britain when she married King George III. Today, the castle museum offers families and culture enthusiasts insights into baroque castle life.

Neustrelitz Palace Garden

The ducal palace garden in Neustrelitz is a gem of 18th and 19th century garden art. Temples and avenues adorn the magnificent park, which invites nature lovers to stroll and discover at any time of year.

Müritzeum Nature Experience Center

The Müritzeum invites young and old to explore the water world of the Mecklenburg Lake District. The interactive exhibition offers insights into the local flora and fauna and impresses with a two-story aquarium basin where the underwater world of the Müritz, including a silvery shimmering shoal of vendace, can be admired up close.

Müritz Bear Forest

In the Müritz Bear Forest, visitors meet brown bears that have been freed from often disastrous keeping conditions and have found a new home in the Müritz Bear Conservation Center. During a guided tour through the deliberately natural forest, you will learn a lot about the life and characteristics of the imposing animals and can admire the bears up close. An exciting destination for families and animal lovers!

Heinrich-Schliemann-Museum

In the Heinrich Schliemann Museum, young and old visitors go on a discovery tour with the famous archaeologist and antiquities researcher: How did the boy from Ankershagen become the man who discovered Troy? The museum in Schliemann's former childhood home displays some of his most significant finds and traces Schliemann's fascinating life in detail.

466 results

  • Coburger Fuchsschafe // © Peter Ramsch

    Pet farm Rambow

    • Rambow Hof, 17194 Moltzow

    Zoo with 250 animals in 60 breeds. Mainly old domestic animal breeds threatened with extinction.

    Read more: "Pet farm Rambow"
  • Riding and driving tourism Lychen

    • Weinbergstraße, 17279 Lychen

    Water and forest, fun and recreation and all that with short and long-eared four-legged friends - to be found at the Reit- und Fahrtouristik Lychen, where the mules from the Uckermark are at home.

    Read more: "Riding and driving tourism Lychen"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Natural bath Augustabad lido

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lindenstr., 17033 Neubrandenburg

    The Augustabad lido is located directly on the beautiful Tollensesee lake (northeast shore) in the four-gate city of Neubrandenburg. This natural swimming pool is guarded during the summer months and the bathing water quality is checked regularly.

    Read more: "Natural bath Augustabad lido"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Erratic boulder garden Hohen Mistorf

    • Open today
    • Lindenweg, 17166 Hohen Mistorf

    The erratic block garden (360 m²) is part of the Geopark Mecklenburg Ice Age Landscape - Mecklenburg Switzerland.

    Read more: "Erratic boulder garden Hohen Mistorf"
  • © T.Sievert

    Malchow city port

    • Am Stadthafen, 17213 Malchow

    The port of the island city is an important hub. This is where life takes place.

    Read more: "Malchow city port"
  • Hotelzimmer // © Jeanette Krüger

    Hotel - Old Castle Brewery

    • Schlossinsel, 17252 Mirow

    The "Alte Schlossbrauerei" hotel on Mirower Schlossinsel with its own access to the lake shore

    Read more: "Hotel - Old Castle Brewery"
  • © Thorsten Falk, Seehotel Plau am See

    Seehotel Plau am See

    • Hermann-Niemann-Str., 19395 Plau am See

    Make friends out of guests - Leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the hospitable atmosphere of our beautifully situated lakeside hotel. The idyllic 4-star hotel, located directly on Lake Plauer See, awaits you in its family atmosphere. Discover the wonderful area around Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Seehotel Plau am See"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Welshof Schliemann

    • Dorfstr., 17139 Faulenrost

    Mecklenburg's first hereditary fish farm has been offering fish for four generations. In addition to the cozy restaurant "Zum Fischer Fritz" you can buy fresh and smoked fish in the farm store or spend the night in the vacation apartment....

    Read more: "Welshof Schliemann"
  • View into the resort // © Meyer-Gattermann

    Ball house on the lake

    • Mühlendamm, 17217 Wustrow

    On the edge of the Mecklenburg Lake District, 12 spherical houses invite you to an unforgettable vacation. Located directly on the lake, surrounded by unspoiled nature.

    Read more: "Ball house on the lake"
  • © Inselstadt Malchow

    Ladies Square at Malchow Monastery

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The Ladies' Square at Malchow Monastery, together with the former refectory (now the Art Museum), forms the center of the site.

    Read more: "Ladies Square at Malchow Monastery"
  • Plastic Gallery Castle Church Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Hertelstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The neo-Gothic castle church in the residential city is a fascinating exhibition venue for figurative sculpture in summer

    Read more: "Plastic Gallery Castle Church Neustrelitz"
  • Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    • Am See, 19406 Woserin

    Academy of Art Culture and Recreation - a creative magical place to work creatively. Workshops, courses and events in various fields are offered.

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  • Vacation home Villa Kunterbunt

    • Friedenstr, 17194 Hohen Wangelin

    Whether rest, change of scenery or immersion in past times - all these wishes are fulfilled by the small cottage with rural charm and modern comfort. The name says it all: colorful vacation atmosphere makes the little cottage!

    Read more: "Vacation home Villa Kunterbunt"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Beach volleyball courts Strandbad "Mili" Rechlin North

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Bissendorferstr., 17248 Rechlin

    The beach volleyball courts offer ideal conditions for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments under the bright sun.

    Read more: "Beach volleyball courts Strandbad "Mili" Rechlin North"
  • Das Wolfsrudel streift durch das Unterholz und stimmt zum großen Heulkonzert an // © Wildpark-MV

    Wildpark-MV

    • Primerburg, 18273 Güstrow

    Welcome to the wild animal adventure in Güstrow: Experience wolf, bear & Co. wilder than in the zoo! The 200 hectare wildlife and landscape park invites the whole family to an unforgettable experience. The local flora and fauna can be discovered in spacious enclosures, some of which can be walked on.

    Read more: "Wildpark-MV"
  • © Bernhard Pfitzner

    Amtswerder - House Pfitzner vacation apartments

    • OT Feldberg, Amtsplatz, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Located in Feldberg on the west side of the Amtswerder peninsula on the Haussee lake, the former hotel farmstead (listed ensemble) with its 2 reconstructed half-timbered clay houses dating from 1765 and 1838 now offers individual apartments of various sizes with comfort and charm.

    Read more: "Amtswerder - House Pfitzner vacation apartments"
  • Außenansicht Theater Schiefe Ebene Neustrelitz // © Theater Schiefe Ebene

    Theater Inclined Plane

    • Wilhelm-Stolte-Str., 17235 Neustrelitz

    Theater Schiefe Ebene - A unique variety & cabaret in Neustrelitz.

    Read more: "Theater Inclined Plane"
  • © Jana Koch

    Teschow natural bathing area

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Seeweg, 17166 Teschow

    Small bathing beach in the Teterow district of Teschow on Lake Teterow. The quiet bathing area on the edge of the village is surrounded by meadows and borders the old estate park.

    Read more: "Teschow natural bathing area"
  • Horse life on the Nussbaumhof // © Nussbaumhof

    Nut Tree Farm

    • Plath, 17349 Lindetal

    The Nussbaumhof. Spacious, quiet vacation apartment in the Nussbaumhof with flair, not only for trail riders, and the large paddock and spacious rental stalls for nature-loving horses. In addition: endless expanse for all gaits - long! The most beautiful place to live. Created for romantic hours. For switching off.

    Read more: "Nut Tree Farm"
  • swing bridge island city Malchow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    The new building, which is about 15 meters long, is a landmark of the town and opens every hour on the hour to allow ships traveling on the Müritz-Elde waterway to pass. About 20,000 boats or ships pass this narrowest point between Lake Plauer See and Müritz every year.

    Read more: "swing bridge island city Malchow"

Content is loaded

Select a location in the region

Select a region

or enter a location directly

Content is loaded

Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  2. Houseboat vacation with teenagers

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  3. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  4. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

    Read more: "Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle"
  5. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  6. Inclusive sailing in Plau am See

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  7. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

    Read more: "The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle"
  8. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  9. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  10. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  11. Top

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  12. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  13. Houseboat adventure

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure"
  14. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  15. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  16. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
  17. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

    Read more: "With the houseboat across the lake district of MV"
  18. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
  19. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  20. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  21. Romantic weekend at the manor house

    Read more: "Romantic weekend at the manor house"
  22. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  23. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Read more: "Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle"
  24. Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  25. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  26. Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  27. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

    Read more: "Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend"
  28. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  29. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  30. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  31. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
1- 0 from 0

FAQ about a vacation in the Lake District

What makes the Mecklenburg Lake District special?

With over 1,000 lakes, the Lake District is the largest contiguous lake area in Central Europe. It offers a unique diversity of nature - from huge bodies of water such as the Müritz to idyllic small lakes - ideal for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.

Where is the lake district and how big is it?

The region extends in the north-east of Germany (MV, partly BB and SH) over a length of around 240 km and a width of around 30 km with approx. 6,000 km of surface area.

Which lake is the largest in Germany?

The Müritz, at 109 km², is the largest fully inland lake in Germany. It is often referred to as the „Little Sea“.

Can you sail on the waters of the lake district without a boating license?

Yes, license-free houseboats or small boats can be rented – ideal for carefree navigation on rivers and canals.

Who is the lake district particularly suitable for?

For families, nature lovers and active vacationers – there are campsites, forests, animal parks, water & cycle paths, barrier-free offers and quiet children's beaches.

When is the best time to travel?

The main season with pleasant temperatures is from May to September - ideal for water and outdoor activities. In the low season, you can experience relaxed tranquillity and idyllic nature.

Which cities and places should I visit?

Recommendable are Waren and R&R on the Müritz, Schlossinsel Mirow, Malchow, Plau am See – with historic towns, ports, castles and cozy cafés.